Observation device and observation method

Abstract

When conducting technical training and evaluations for intraluminal surgery, there was a demand for a way to observe catheter behavior, particularly the movement of wires inside the catheter sheath, more clearly without using X-rays. If there is a difference between the amount of polarized light component imaged by the light receiving unit in the light originating from the sheath and the amount of polarized light component imaged by the light receiving unit in the light originating from the material surrounding the sheath, the sheath can be displayed in a identifiable manner on the image. Because the light receiving unit receives polarized light components, light reflected or scattered at the interfaces of the materials constituting the object of observation is substantially eliminated, resulting in a clear image.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an observation device and method for observing a catheter inserted into a blood vessel model. [Background technology]

[0002] In the evaluation of a catheter inserted into a blood vessel, and in technical training and evaluation of intravascular surgery, it is necessary to observe the state of a blood vessel model and a catheter inserted into the blood vessel model. In the past, evaluation of technical training for endovascular surgery was performed by X-raying a vascular model with a catheter inserted. From the viewpoint of avoiding X-ray exposure for trainers and trainees, the present applicant has proposed an observation device using near-infrared rays (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Patent Publication WO / 2024 / 014496 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The observation device proposed in Patent Document 1 makes it possible to observe the behavior of a catheter inserted into a vascular model without using any X-rays, but trainers who provide technical training and evaluations for endovascular surgery have expressed a desire to be able to more clearly observe the behavior of the catheter, particularly the movement of the wire inside the catheter sheath. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present inventors have conducted extensive research to solve the above problems and have come up with the idea of ​​using polarized light. As described in prior art documents, near-infrared light can pass through a blood vessel model or a catheter sheath. When an object to be observed is placed between a first polarizing plate and a second polarizing plate whose polarization axes are orthogonal to each other, and the object is irradiated with near-infrared light from the first polarizing plate side to perform transmission observation of the object, it is not possible to observe an image of the blood vessel model or the catheter sheath. This is because even if near-infrared light polarized in a first direction by the first polarizing plate passes directly through the blood vessel model or the catheter sheath, it is blocked by the second polarizing plate.

[0006] However, if the catheter sheath is made of a material that scatters polarized near-infrared light, the scattering can modulate the polarization direction and generate polarized components that can pass through the second polarizer. In this case, a metal linear object, such as a wire, inserted into the sheath will not transmit any irradiated light and will appear as a shadow on the image. That is, the sheath portion, where the polarized near-infrared light is scattered, appears bright on the screen, providing a high brightness contrast with the shadowed wire portion. Furthermore, if the sheath is placed in air or fresh water, for example, the polarization state is maintained in the area surrounding the sheath, and the irradiated light that passes through this area is also blocked by the second polarizer, resulting in a dark image. As a result, a high dark-light-dark contrast is achieved between the wire portion, the sheath portion, and the area surrounding the sheath.

[0007] The observation device proposed in Patent Document 1 allows near-infrared light to penetrate the object of observation in the same way as X-rays, thereby producing a flat image similar to an X-ray image with reduced three-dimensionality. However, when diffuse reflection of the irradiated light occurs at the interfaces of the vascular model and its surrounding components, the amount of diffusely reflected light becomes greater than the amount of light transmitted through each component, causing the diffused light to blur the interface lines. Therefore, the images of each component based on transmitted light on the display are interfered with by the diffusely reflected light, contributing to blurring the images of the components that are the intended target of observation. Therefore, there has been a demand for clearer observation of catheter behavior, particularly the movement of wires within the catheter sheath, when conducting technical training for endovascular surgery or catheter evaluation.

[0008] The present inventors have conducted extensive research to solve the above-mentioned problems and have come to the realization that this problem can be solved by using polarized light. By selectively receiving the polarized light component originating from the component, which is the object of observation, it was possible to substantially eliminate the diffused light reflected from the component interface. As a result, when all the received light, including the diffused light, was filtered using a polarizing plate, a clearer image could be obtained. Near-infrared light scattered at the interfaces of the blood vessel model and its surrounding materials is modulated, and may generate polarized components according to certain rules. However, even among the polarized components generated in this way, only a small amount can pass through the polarizing plate on the light receiving side, and it is thought that they contribute very little to image formation.

[0009] The present invention was made based on such findings, and one aspect of the present invention is defined as follows: An observation device for observing a blood vessel model into which a catheter is inserted, an observation assembly including a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion; and an image display assembly including an image generator and a display; the light emitting unit includes a light source and a polarizing element, and irradiates reference illumination light including a first polarized light toward the observation object, the polarizing element has a polarization axis in a first direction, and transmits the first polarized light polarized in the first direction among the light output from the light source, and the first polarized light passes through a sheath of the catheter, and the polarization state of at least a part of the light component is modulated; the light receiving unit includes a light receiver and an analyzer, the analyzer having a polarization axis in a direction different from the first direction, the light receiver receives a polarized component of the reference irradiation light (post-irradiation light) that has been irradiated onto the observation object and has been subjected to interference from the observation object and that has passed through the analyzer to generate an observation output; the image generation unit receives the observation output and generates an image; The display is a viewing device that displays the image.

[0010] According to the observation device defined in this way, when the first polarized light contained in the reference irradiation light passes through the sheath of the catheter, the polarization state of at least some of the polarized light components is modulated due to interference such as scattering from the constituent material of the sheath. For example, if the polarizing element is a polarizing plate that generates linearly polarized light and the analyzer is a polarizing plate with a polarization axis oriented perpendicular to the polarizing plate, the first polarized light that passes through the object to be observed cannot pass through the analyzer, which has a different polarization axis. However, some polarized light components whose polarization direction has been modulated by the sheath can pass through the analyzer. The transmitted polarized light components are received by the receiver, and an observation output is generated according to the amount of light received. In this specification, the term "polarization direction" includes the meaning of the "vector direction" of the Jones vector (Jones parameter) and the "vector direction" of the Stokes vector (Stokes parameter), which are used to mathematically express the polarization state in general.

[0011] In the image generated by the image generator based on the observation output, the metal linear object (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated as "wire" in this specification) and the sheath are displayed with a contrast in brightness. Specifically, the wire, which does not transmit any light, is displayed in black, while the sheath, which receives the polarized light component that has been modulated and passed through the analyzer, is displayed in relatively white.

[0012] Polarizing and / or reflective materials are contained within or at the interface of the outer circumferential material of the catheter (e.g., circulating fluid, vascular model, immersion fluid) and the inner circumferential material of the catheter (e.g., liquid for continuous flushing). These materials interfere with all or part of the reference illumination light containing the first polarized light, modulating its polarization state. Some of the polarized components modulated in this way pass through the analyzer. If the amount of polarized components passing through differs from that originating from the sheath, the inner and outer circumferential parts of the catheter will appear on the image with a brightness different from that of the sheath and wire. Examples of polarizing materials include diffractive materials, liquid crystals, and refractive index materials.

[0013] The light generated by the diffuse reflection of the reference illumination light at the catheter and the interfaces between the internal and external members, i.e., the so-called secondary light, is filtered by the analyzer, so that although some of the polarized components can pass through, they do not substantially affect the image, thereby obtaining a clear observation image. By making the light transmittance of the inner and outer peripheral members of the catheter different from that of the sheath, a brightness difference can be created between them in the image.

[0014] The inventors have confirmed that the above observation device can clearly distinguish and display the sheath and wire of a catheter on an image without using X-rays (see Examples). The basic configuration of the observation device is as follows: The light irradiated onto the observation object is polarized (first polarization), and an image is generated based on the polarization component that can transmit through the analyzer among the polarization components modulated when this first polarization is irradiated onto the observation object. The present inventors have conducted extensive research into the principle behind why the above-described configuration using polarized light allows the sheath to be more clearly identified than a configuration (conventional configuration) that does not use polarized light at all, and as a result, have noticed the following points.

[0015] (1) Basic principle of sheath identification If there is a difference between the amount of polarized light component imaged by the light receiving unit in the light originating from the sheath and the amount of polarized light component imaged by the light receiving unit in the light originating from the material surrounding the sheath, the sheath can be displayed identifiably on the image. The light that can be imaged by the light receiving unit depends on the correlation between the polarization characteristics of the light and the polarization characteristics of the light receiving unit (directionality such as linear polarization or circular polarization). Therefore, the polarization component of the light originating from the sheath that matches the polarization characteristics of the light receiving unit becomes the source of image generation in the light receiving unit. If the light originating from the sheath and the light that is the source of light originating from other components (referred to as "reference irradiation light" in this specification) are the same, since the material of the sheath is different from the material of the other components, differences will occur in the polarization components that are imaged by the light receiving unit in the light originating from each component. This results in differences in brightness on the image, and each component is expressed. The reference illumination light irradiated onto the object of observation can be polarized as a whole, or can contain a polarized component in part. Also, unpolarized light can be used as the reference illumination light, because a polarized component can be generated by reflecting unpolarized light off the object of observation.

[0016] (2) Polarized components imaged at the light receiving unit In this specification, imaging with a light receiver means that the light receiver provides an output to generate an image. The following is an example of how the light receiving section can create an image when it receives polarized light components having predetermined polarization characteristics. (2-1) When the wavelength of the polarized light component is visible light, an analyzer that allows the polarized light component to pass through is used as the light receiving unit. The polarized light component that passes through the analyzer is visible as an output, and thus the observer can recognize the output image. (2-2) When the wavelength of the polarized component is near-infrared, the light receiving unit includes an analyzer and a photoreceiver. The analyzer allows the polarized component to pass through. The photoreceiver receives the polarized component that has passed through and outputs an observation output corresponding to the received polarized component. This observation output becomes the output for generating an image, and is sent to the image generation unit where it is visualized. (2-3) The combination of a polarizer and a photodetector can also be applied to the polarized component of visible light. (2-4) If the element converts polarized light directly into an electrical signal (photoelectric conversion element), the element can be used as a light receiving unit. In this case, the element is designed to be activated by polarized light components with predetermined polarization characteristics and output the output. This output can be used to generate an image.

[0017] When the reference illumination light is irradiated onto the observation object (a catheter or its surrounding components (such as a blood vessel model)), it interferes with the observation object, resulting in the generation of light components. Of these light components, the polarized components that match the polarization characteristics of the light-receiving unit are the polarized components that are imaged by the light-receiving unit. Specific examples of light components obtained through interference include (A) the light obtained when polarized light (first polarization) is transmitted through the observation object as the reference illumination light. Another example of such light components is (B) the light obtained when unpolarized light is reflected by the observation object. Furthermore, (C) the scattered light, polarized light, birefringence (including phase changes in polarized light), and photofluorescence (these are sometimes collectively referred to as secondary light in the specification) generated by the observation object irradiated with the reference illumination light are also examples of such light components. When using reflected light or secondary light in the above, it is preferable to use light of a wavelength that is difficult to transmit through the sheath as the reference irradiation light in order to avoid the influence of the wire inside the catheter. Alternatively, the influence of unnecessary light originating from the wire can be reduced or eliminated by using a polarizing element, lens, filter, etc.

[0018] (3) Application of visible light Using a light-receiving unit with predetermined polarization characteristics allows the use of reflected light and secondary light originating from the object of observation. When the inventors irradiated the object of observation with white visible light (wavelength: 380 nm to 700 nm) polarized in a first direction, the sheath was displayed on the screen, and the sheath and wire could be distinguished. This is thought to be due to the fact that even visible light penetrates the sheath and interferes with the sheath material, emitting secondary light containing a polarized component. When the polarization characteristics of the light-receiving unit were canceled, i.e., imaging was possible from all of the light received by the light-receiving unit (e.g., when the analyzer is omitted in a combination of an analyzer and a light-receiver), and visible light polarized in the first direction (white light) or non-polarized visible light (white light) was irradiated onto the object of observation, the sheath could not be distinguished and observed. Without a light-receiving unit with polarization characteristics, the polarized component modulated by the sheath and imaged by the light-receiving unit and the light component that would not have been imaged by the light-receiving unit were equally received. In other words, all light components of the reference irradiation light were imaged by the light-receiving unit as light originating from the sheath. On the other hand, since all light components of the reference irradiation light originating from the members surrounding the sheath are imaged at the light receiving section, no difference in light quantity occurs between the two.

[0019] Even when the light receiving unit is positioned so that it can receive the reflected light that is obtained by irradiating the object of observation with unpolarized white light and reflecting all or part of the light from the object of observation, an image is generated that allows the sheath and wire to be distinguished. If the materials surrounding the sheath have properties that are different from those of the sheath, such as generating polarized light or modulating the strength or direction of polarized light, these materials can be distinguished from the sheath and displayed on an image using visible light.

[0020] As mentioned above, in the case of visible light, the sheath can be clearly distinguished from other components by visually observing the polarized light component that has passed through the analyzer, without using a photodetector or image generator. In this case, the output of the analyzer can be projected onto a display using an optical fiber or optical amplifier.

[0021] (4) Lantern effect One way to highlight sheaths, which are difficult to detect (display in an image), is to increase the amount of light irradiated onto the sheath. While increasing the amount of light irradiated onto the object of observation, including the sheath, is of course feasible, there are limitations to the output of the light source due to issues such as the light source's rating and heat dissipation. Therefore, the inventors considered supplying auxiliary light to the sheath from the environment (material) surrounding the sheath. If such auxiliary light interferes with the sheath and generates a polarized component that is imaged by the light-receiving unit, the amount of light originating from the sheath will increase, thereby making the sheath clearer in the image.

[0022] When the reference illumination light includes a first polarization, it is preferable that the auxiliary light be polarized in the same state as the first polarization. Therefore, a material that causes Rayleigh scattering of the first polarization is dispersed in the components surrounding the sheath (at least one of the material forming the blood vessel model, the immersion liquid, and the circulating liquid). This is because the Rayleigh-scattered polarized light maintains the same polarization state as the polarized light before scattering. Examples of materials that cause Rayleigh scattering include aqueous polymers such as PVA and surfactants. When these materials are included in the circulating liquid circulating within the blood vessel model, they improve its lubricity. The material that generates the assist light is not limited to one that maintains the polarization state of the scattered light. It can be any material that emits secondary light toward the sheath side by interfering with the irradiated reference illumination light, and this secondary light is modulated by the sheath to generate a polarized component that is imaged by the light receiving section. This secondary light is the assist light.

[0023] The illumination of the object of observation with fill light is referred to in this specification as the "lantern effect." This lantern effect is particularly effective when illuminating the object of observation with visible light. Since visible light cannot pass through the sheath, reflected light and secondary light are the source of the sheath image generation. When using reflected light, the area of ​​the sheath that reflects the reference illumination light is limited. Similarly, when using secondary light, the area on the sheath where the reference illumination light, which is the source of generation, illuminates is limited. As such, in either case, it is difficult to obtain a sufficient amount of light for the post-illumination light. Therefore, if visible light is irradiated from the periphery of the sheath as auxiliary light, it becomes possible to emit polarized components from the entire outer surface of the sheath that are imaged by the light-receiving unit, helping to ensure the amount of light.

[0024] (5) Light irradiated onto the object of observation (reference light) The above example is based on the concept when the relative angle between the polarization axis of the polarizing element and the polarization axis of the analyzer is 90 degrees. In this concept, if the crossing angle of the polarization axes is shifted from 90 degrees, some of the polarization components that are not modulated by the object being observed can pass through the analyzer. As a result, the amount of light that passes through the analyzer among the light originating from the sheath increases, so the sheath appears brighter. On the other hand, the contrast with the wire, which remains black because it does not transmit light in the first place, becomes clearer.

[0025] The same applies when the polarizer and analyzer are used for elliptically or circularly polarized light, and also when a polarization state with a spatial distribution (such as a polarization distribution dynamically generated by photonic liquid crystals) or a mixture of these polarization states is used. Expanding on this, it is preferable that the light irradiated onto the observation object (reference illumination light) contains at least a first polarized light polarized in one direction. In other words, the reference illumination light may contain direct light from the light source (unpolarized light component) and a polarized light component polarized in a second direction different from the first polarized light.

[0026] When polarized light is generated by reflection from an observation member, the reference illumination light does not have to contain polarized light. However, there is nothing to prevent the reference illumination light from containing one or more types of polarized light. The wavelength of the reference illumination light is selected arbitrarily depending on the characteristics of the object being observed. The light-emitting unit that adds a polarized component to the reference illumination light is equipped with a light source and a polarizing element. The polarizing element has specific polarization characteristics (for example, a polarization axis for linear polarization) and polarizes the light from the light source. This makes it possible to irradiate the object being observed with reference illumination light that includes polarized light from the light-emitting unit. In addition to using LEDs and bulbs as light sources, ambient light (sunlight or indoor lighting) can also be used as the light source for visible light sources. If the polarization characteristics of a device (photoelectric conversion device) that receives an electrical signal and outputs polarized light can be designed, this device can be used as a light-emitting unit as is. By using optical filters and lenses, it is also possible to generate reference illumination light that contains only specific wavelengths contained in the light source.

[0027] (6) Light that is irradiated onto the object of observation and then interferes with it (post-irradiation light) The reference illumination light irradiated onto the object of observation interferes with the object of observation. When viewed from the light-receiving unit side, the interference occurs in three forms: (A) light transmitted through the object of observation, (B) light reflected by the object of observation, and (C) secondary light generated by the object of observation (diffused, polarized, phase-shifted, or fluorescent light, etc.). In this specification, these lights are referred to as "post-illumination light." The post-irradiation light contains a polarized component that is imaged at the light receiving section.

[0028] (7) Contrast adjustment (vascular roadmapping) Changing the polarization characteristics of the light-receiving unit (e.g., the polarization axis direction) changes the brightness of each component displayed in the image. This is because the polarization components and their intensities contained in the post-irradiation light differ depending on the component. According to the inventors' research, when the polarization angle of the first polarized light contained in the reference irradiation light is set to 90 degrees and the polarization axis of the light-receiving unit is set to 0 degrees, i.e., when the relative angle between the polarization axis of the polarizing element and the polarization axis of the light-receiving unit is 90 degrees, an image (Image 1-2) in which only the structure of the catheter can be recognized is generated by adjusting the wavelength and intensity of the reference irradiation light. On the other hand, when the relative angle between the polarization axis of the polarizing element and the polarization axis of the light-receiving unit is set to less than 90 degrees but greater than 45 degrees, an image (Image 1-3) of components other than the catheter can be generated. By overlaying image 1-2, for example as a video, on image 1-3, a simulation of the vascular roadmap method can be created.

[0029] (8) General concept of the observation device principle (1) The principle of the observation device specified in the above aspect is explained as follows. If there is a difference between the amount of polarized light component imaged by the light receiving unit in the light originating from the sheath and the amount of polarized light component imaged by the light receiving unit in the light originating from the material surrounding the sheath, the sheath can be displayed identifiably on the image. In this example, the image was generated based only on the polarized component imaged by the light-receiving unit, but if there is also a difference between the reference irradiation light as a reference and the polarized component contained in the post-irradiation light imaged by the light-receiving unit, the sheath can be displayed in a distinguishable manner on the screen. In other words, the observation output when the reference irradiation light is directly received by the light-receiving unit without any interference with the object of observation is used as the reference output, and this is compared with the observation output when the post-irradiation light is received by the light-receiving unit. In other words, the observation principle of the observation device defined in the above aspect can be understood as determining a reference output in advance and finding the difference in light quantity between the predetermined reference output and the observation output.

[0030] Based on the above findings, a first aspect of the present invention is defined as follows. An observation device for observing a blood vessel model into which a catheter is inserted, A light receiving unit is provided, The light receiving unit has predetermined polarization characteristics and receives and images a polarized component of the post-illumination light that matches the predetermined polarization characteristics, wherein the post-illumination light is reference illumination light that is irradiated onto the object of observation and subjected to interference from the object of observation, and includes a polarized component that is imaged by the light receiving unit, and the polarized component originates from the sheath of the catheter.

[0031] According to the observation device of the first aspect defined as above, the polarized component originating from the sheath contained in the post-illumination light is imaged by the light receiving unit, while the light originating from the catheter wire is not included in the post-illumination light, allowing observation with a difference in brightness between the wire and the sheath. Furthermore, light resulting from reflection or scattering at the interface between the components constituting the observation target contains almost no polarized light components that are imaged by the light receiving unit, and therefore such reflection or scattering has no effect on the image.

[0032] If the reference illumination light has a wavelength that can be transmitted through the sheath, the reference illumination light is blocked by the wire when it is transmitted to the object of observation, and therefore the light component originating from the wire is not included in the post-illumination light.If the reference illumination light has a wavelength that cannot be transmitted through the sheath, the reference illumination light does not reach the wire, and therefore the polarized component originating from the wire is not included in the post-illumination light.

[0033] When observation is performed by reflecting the reference illumination light on the object to be observed, the reason why the post illumination light does not contain light originating from the wire is as follows. When the reference irradiation light can pass through the sheath and the wire is made of a material that absorbs the reference irradiation light, the reference irradiation light is blocked by the wire, and the light component originating from the wire is not included in the post-irradiation light. When the wire is made of a material with a metallic luster, the reference irradiation light interferes with the wire and is specularly reflected. In this case, the polarization state of the reference irradiation light is substantially maintained even after reflection. Therefore, by receiving the reflected light obtained in this manner as post-irradiation light in a light-receiving unit, a brightness difference can be created between the wire and the sheath. In particular, by adjusting the polarization characteristics of the light-receiving unit, the amount of polarization component originating from the wire can be adjusted. This allows the brightness of the wire to be adjusted. When the wire has a metallic luster and its surface is covered with a resin or the like, in addition to maintaining polarization as described above, reflection from the metallic luster part inside the resin generates new polarization (s-waves are reflected relatively more strongly than p-waves) upon reflection, and the combined light is reflected. Therefore, by receiving the reflected light in a light-receiving unit, a brightness difference can be created between the wire and the sheath.

[0034] In the observation device of the first aspect defined above, when the reference illumination light is visible light, the ambient light of the observation device can be used as the reference illumination light. Post-illumination light obtained by illuminating the observation object with this reference illumination light can include a polarized component that is imaged by the light-receiving unit. Of course, the reference illumination light can also contain a first polarization. To make the reference illumination light contain the first polarization, a light-emitting unit including a light source and a polarizing element is provided. The light source can output visible light and / or near-infrared light, and the polarizing element can polarize the light from the light source in any direction, such as linear polarization or circular polarization. By using a plate-shaped polarizing element with a diffraction grating or a photonic liquid crystal, the reference illumination light can be polarized in different directions in different regions. Alternatively, the polarization state can be dynamically changed overall or in different regions by controlling the photonic liquid crystal or by providing a mechanical rotation function to the built-in wave plate. The reference illumination light generated by such a polarizing element contains multiple polarizations. Furthermore, by making part of the polarizing element plate transparent, the light from the light source can be included in the reference illumination light as is (unpolarized). It is also possible to generate reference illumination light containing a polarized component by electrical control (voltage control) using a photoelectric conversion element that outputs polarized light.

[0035] The polarizing element can be interposed between the light source and the object of observation, or all or part of it can be contained within the object of observation, or it can be contained within a partial region or multiple regions of the object of observation, such as only the lower part of the blood vessel model. Similarly, the analyzer can be placed outside the object of observation, or all or part of it can be located within the object of observation, or it can be located within a partial region or multiple regions of the object of observation, for example, only the upper part of the vascular model.

[0036] When the reference irradiation light is visible light, an analyzer is used as the light receiving unit, and the output of the analyzer, i.e., the polarized component that has passed through the analyzer, is visible as an image, allowing the observer to directly distinguish and observe the sheath and wire. When the light receiving unit is composed of an analyzer and a light receiver, the light (visible light, near-infrared light) that passes through the analyzer is received by the light receiver, and an output (observation output) corresponding to the received polarization component is generated by the light receiver. The analyzer has an area that can receive the light component originating from the observation object in the post-irradiation light, and the light receiver has an array of light receiving elements corresponding to the area of ​​the analyzer. An optical filter, a lens, a second polarizing element, and a second analyzer can be arranged between the observation object and the analyzer and / or between the analyzer and the light receiver.

[0037] The light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit form an observation assembly. The observation output from the light receiving unit is imaged by the image generating unit, and this image is displayed on a display. The image generating unit and the display constitute an image display assembly. When the light receiving section is configured with a photoelectric element, the output of the photoelectric element is sent to the image generating section as an observation output. This element receives polarized light components with predetermined polarization characteristics and outputs an electrical signal.

[0038] From the above, the second aspect of the present invention is defined as follows. In the observation device as defined in the first aspect, a light emitting unit and an image display assembly; The light receiving unit and the light emitting unit constitute an observation assembly, the light emitting unit irradiates the reference irradiation light toward the observation object, the reference irradiation light including a first polarized light; the light receiving unit that receives the post-irradiation light generates an observation output according to the polarization component to be imaged; The image display assembly includes an image generator and a display, the image generator generating an image based on the viewing output, and the display displaying the image.

[0039] A third aspect of the present invention is defined as follows. The observation device according to the second aspect, wherein the image generation unit generates an image based on a comparison between a reference output from the light receiving unit that receives the reference irradiation light that does not interfere with the observation object and the observation output. According to the observation device of the third aspect defined in this way, the reference output from the reference irradiation light is used as a base and the observation output is compared with it, so that disturbances in the observation output due to changes in the observation environment are offset and the generated image is more stable than when an image is generated simply from the observation output alone, because, for example, even if ambient light is incident, this is also treated as reference irradiation light.

[0040] In the observation device of the third aspect, the reference output is an output when the light receiver, which has canceled the polarization characteristic, receives the reference irradiation light that does not interfere with the observation target, The light receiving unit has a polarization axis in a direction different from the first direction as the polarization characteristic, and the light receiving unit can generate an observation output according to the polarization component imaged by the light receiving unit (fourth aspect). In the observation device of the fourth aspect, the amount of light of the polarized component that has passed through a specific polarization axis provided in the light receiving unit becomes an observation output, which is compared with a reference output to form an image.

[0041] In the observation device of the third aspect, the reference output is an output of the light receiving unit that receives, as the post-irradiation light, the reference irradiation light that does not interfere with the observation target, The light receiving section generates an observation output according to a component of the polarization direction of the polarized light contained in the received post-irradiation light (fifth aspect).

[0042] In the observation device of the fifth aspect, since the light receiving unit can detect components in the polarization direction, the count is set to 1 when the light receiving unit receives the first polarized light in the first direction of the reference illumination light, and the count is set to n when the light receiving unit assumes that the polarization components contained in the post-illumination light have n polarization directions, and an observation output is generated based on the comparison result of the two (for example, the difference n-1). This generates an image that reflects the type of polarization component (based on the polarization direction) generated by modulating the first polarized light. In other words, an image is generated based on the degree of polarization of the polarization component contained in the post-illumination light relative to the first polarized light. Here, an example is shown in which n polarization states are detected for reference illumination light of one polarization state. Similar detection can also be performed if the reference illumination light includes polarization of n polarization states.

[0043] The sheath on the image can be made to stand out by using the lantern effect described above. A sixth aspect of the present invention is an observation device that utilizes the lantern effect, and is specified as follows. an observation target assembly including the observation target, a circulating fluid that circulates through the blood vessel model, and an immersion fluid in which the observation target is immersed; a secondary light generating material that interferes with the reference irradiation light to generate secondary light is dispersed in at least one selected from the constituent materials of the blood vessel model, the immersion liquid, and the circulating liquid; The observation device according to the first aspect, wherein the secondary light interferes with at least the sheath to enhance a polarization component originating from the sheath in the post-irradiation light.

[0044] The polarization direction of the secondary light is preferably the same as that of the first polarized light contained in the reference irradiation light. Therefore, the secondary light-generating material dispersed in the immersion liquid and the circulating liquid causes Rayleigh scattering of the reference irradiation light (seventh aspect). The secondary light generating material that causes Rayleigh scattering may be a water-soluble polymer and / or a surfactant (eighth aspect).

[0045] Another method for making the sheath stand out on an image is to make the light absorption and polarization characteristics of the materials surrounding the blood vessel model different from the light absorption and polarization characteristics of the sheath. Therefore, a ninth aspect of the present invention is defined as follows. The observation device according to a second aspect, wherein the immersion liquid and / or the circulating liquid have light absorption characteristics and / or polarization characteristics for the reference irradiation light that are different from those of the blood vessel model. The light absorbed here is all or a part of the light components of the reference irradiation light and post-irradiation light. As a substance that changes the polarization characteristics, for example, sucrose or maltose, which cause optical rotation, can be used.

[0046] A tenth aspect of the present invention is defined as follows. The observation device according to a second aspect, wherein a material forming the blood vessel model generates a photoelastic effect on the reference irradiation light, and light generated by the photoelastic effect is included in the post-irradiation light. Stress occurs in the material forming the blood vessel model, causing a photoelastic effect, and the resulting light becomes part of the post-irradiation light. This light may contain a polarized component that is imaged by the light-receiving unit. This allows the photoelastic effect to be reflected in the image. A separate light-receiving unit may be provided specifically to receive the light resulting from the photoelastic effect.

[0047] An eleventh aspect of the present invention is defined as follows. the observation target assembly further comprises a plate for holding the blood vessel model; the plate transmits the reference illumination light; The observation device according to the second aspect, wherein the plate has a groove that follows the shape of the blood vessel model, and the blood vessel model is fitted into the groove entirely or partially without any gaps. By using such a plate, it becomes easy to set up and replace the blood vessel model.

[0048] By generating a photoelastic effect in the material of the peripheral wall of the groove into which the blood vessel model is fitted, stress generated in the material forming the blood vessel model is transmitted to the material of the plate, where the photoelastic effect is exerted. Thus, a twelfth aspect of the present invention is defined as follows. An observation device according to an eleventh aspect, wherein a peripheral wall of the groove in the plate is formed of a soft material that generates a photoelastic effect for the reference irradiation light, and light generated by the photoelastic effect is included in the post-irradiation light.

[0049] In actual catheter surgery, an operation is performed to remove a blood clot or the like from a blood vessel. In order to simulate such an operation, a thirteenth aspect of the present invention is defined as follows. In the observation device according to the second aspect, the blood vessel model in the observation object assembly has a movable part simulating a thrombus or the like disposed inside the blood vessel model, and the movable part interferes with the reference illumination light to modulate its polarization state.

[0050] The observation device of the present invention is used as a simulator for catheter surgery. In such a use, it is required to display images similar to those in actual catheter surgery. Therefore, the observation device of a fourteenth aspect of the present invention is specified as follows. The observation device according to a second aspect, wherein the observation assembly is capable of photographing a first portion of the observation object and a second portion different from the first portion. To observe different portions of the observation object in this manner, at least one of the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit of the observation object assembly is moved relative to the observation object, or the optical axis of the reference radiation light emitted from the light-emitting unit is polarized.

[0051] In recent years, so-called biplane observation has been performed on catheter operating tables. In order to simulate such biplane observation, the fifteenth aspect of the invention is defined as follows. a second observation assembly including a second light emitting unit and a second light receiving unit; In the observation device according to a fourteenth aspect, the second observation assembly observes the portion of the observation target observed by the observation assembly from another direction. The observation assembly and the second observation assembly may be movable relative to the observation target (aspect 16). Here, the second light emitting section and the second light receiving section perform the same functions as the light emitting section and the light receiving section of the observation assembly, and provide an observation output to the image generating assembly.

[0052] A seventeenth aspect of the present invention is defined as follows. The observation device according to the first aspect, wherein the light receiving unit is disposed at one or more of a first position capable of mainly receiving post-illumination light formed when the reference illumination light passes through the observation object, a second position capable of mainly receiving post-illumination light formed when the reference illumination light is reflected by the observation object, and a third position capable of mainly receiving secondary light generated when the reference illumination light interferes with the observation object. For example, by arranging light receiving units at multiple positions, the sheath can be observed more reliably, since the transmission characteristics, reflection characteristics, etc. may differ depending on the sheath material.

[0053] An eighteenth aspect of the present invention is defined as follows. the observation target assembly includes a case for holding the immersion liquid; The case forms part of the mannequin, The observation device according to an eleventh aspect, wherein the plate is disposed in the case. According to the observation device of the eighteenth aspect defined in this way, observation can be carried out more realistically.

[0054] A nineteenth aspect of the present invention is defined as follows. The observation device according to a second aspect, wherein the observation target assembly includes a case that holds the immersion liquid, and a peripheral wall of the case includes the light-emitting portion. According to the observation device of the nineteenth aspect defined in this way, the device is simplified.

[0055] A twentieth aspect of the present invention is defined as follows. the observation target assembly includes a case for holding the immersion liquid; The observation device according to a second aspect, wherein the case is provided with an anti-reflection section for the reference irradiation light on the side of the light emitting section. According to the observation device of the twentieth aspect defined in this way, the influence of the reference illumination light reflected by the object to be observed inside the case can be eliminated, resulting in a clear image.

[0056] A twenty-first aspect of the present invention is defined as follows. an observation device according to a twentieth aspect, wherein the observation object is biased toward the light-receiving portion within the case portion, so that a layer of the immersion liquid between the observation object and the light-emitting portion is thicker than a layer of the immersion liquid between the observation object and the light-receiving portion, and the layer of the immersion liquid between the observation object and the light-emitting portion functions as the anti-reflection portion. According to the observation device of the 21st aspect defined in this way, the influence of the irradiated light reflected from the object to be observed can be eliminated by adjusting the arrangement of the blood vessel model within the case, resulting in a simple device configuration.

[0057] A twenty-second aspect of the present invention is defined as follows. a fluorescent material that emits a polarized component that is imaged by the light receiving unit is attached to a component of the observation target assembly; the viewing assembly includes a source of light that causes the material to fluoresce; The observation device according to the second aspect. According to the observation device defined in the 22nd aspect, marks or characters can be written on the observation target with fluorescent paint, thereby enabling smooth observation operations. The light from the fluorescence contains a polarized component that is imaged by the light receiving unit.

[0058] A twenty-third aspect of the present invention is defined as follows. the observation target assembly includes a case for holding the immersion liquid; The light is ultraviolet light, and the ultraviolet light from the light source is introduced into the case and emitted from a side wall of the case toward the object to be observed. The observation device according to the twenty-second aspect. According to the observation device defined in the 23rd aspect, visible light or near-infrared light is used as the reference irradiation light, but since the light used here is ultraviolet light, there is no disturbance to the reference irradiation light. Moreover, since the case functions as a light source, the device can be simplified.

[0059] Since the roadmap method is used in actual catheter surgery, it is preferable to imitate the roadmap method in simulations that use this observation device. Therefore, a 24th aspect of the present invention is defined as follows: the light receiving unit has a second polarization characteristic state and a third polarization characteristic state in directions relatively different from the first direction of the first polarization, the image display assembly includes an image synthesis unit; The light receiving unit generates an observation output that generates a first-second image when the light receiving unit is in the second polarization characteristic state, generating an observation output that generates a first to third image when the light receiving unit is in the third polarization characteristic state; the image synthesis unit synthesizes the first-second image and the first-third image; The observation device according to the second aspect, wherein the display displays a synthesized image. The second and third polarization characteristic states of the light receiving unit can be obtained by adjusting the polarization characteristic of the light receiving unit itself, and further, can be obtained by adjusting the polarization direction of the first polarized light of the reference irradiation light, either simultaneously or independently of this adjustment.

[0060] In the observation device of the 24th aspect, only the sheath of the catheter and the metal linear object inside the sheath are displayed in the 1-2 image, By displaying the blood vessel model on the first-third image (25th aspect), a simulation of the roadmap method becomes possible. In particular, it is preferable to display the first and second screens as moving images (stage 26). In addition to the blood vessel model, the catheter can also be displayed on screens 1-3. Furthermore, when a polarization camera or the like is used in which polarization elements are arranged in an array with different states for each pixel, multiple polarization characteristic states can be detected simultaneously in real time without physical operation. As a result, the above-mentioned Image 1-2, Image 1-3, and composite images thereof (roadmap images, images with unnecessary reflected light removed, etc.) can be generated easily, freely, and in real time by software processing.

[0061] A 27th aspect of the present invention is an observation method using the observation device defined in the first aspect, which is defined as follows. An observation device for observing a blood vessel model into which a catheter is inserted, 1. An observation method using an observation device having a light receiving unit with predetermined polarization characteristics, irradiating the object of observation with reference illumination light; a step of receiving post-illumination light generated by the reference illumination light that has been interfered with by the object of observation with the light receiving unit, wherein the post-illumination light includes a polarized component, and the polarized component originates from a sheath of the catheter; an observation method including a step in which the light receiving unit generates an output based on the polarization component imaged in the light receiving unit in accordance with the polarization characteristics of the polarization component originating from the sheath.

[0062] A 28th aspect of the present invention is defined as follows. a secondary light generating material that interferes with the reference illumination light to generate secondary light is dispersed in at least one selected from a constituent material of the blood vessel model, a lubricating liquid circulating within the blood vessel model, and an immersion liquid in which the blood vessel model is immersed; The observation method according to the 27th aspect, wherein the polarization component of the post-irradiation light is changed by causing the secondary light to interfere with the sheath.

[0063] A twenty-ninth aspect of the present invention is defined as follows. the light receiving unit has a second polarization characteristic state and a third polarization characteristic state in directions relatively different from the first direction of the first polarization, The observation method according to a 27th aspect, further comprising adjusting the second polarization characteristic state and the third polarization characteristic state to adjust contrast between the sheath of the catheter and its surroundings in the image displayed. According to the observation method of the 29th aspect defined above, contrast is adjusted by adjusting the second polarization characteristic state and the third polarization characteristic state of the light receiving unit, so that only the catheter or only the blood vessel model can be displayed on the image.

[0064] A thirtieth aspect of the present invention is defined as follows. generating a contrast mode image in which only the sheath of the catheter and the metal linear object within the sheath are displayed in the second polarized light receiving state; obtaining a still image mode image in which a blood vessel model is displayed in the third polarization receiving state; displaying the still image mode image and the contrast mode image in an overlapping manner; The observation method according to the 29th aspect, comprising:

[0065] A thirty-first aspect of the present invention is defined as follows. A cassette incorporating the blood vessel model, used in an observation device that irradiates the observation target with reference irradiation light that interferes with a sheath of a catheter, The vascular model; a housing for holding the blood vessel model; a polarizing element disposed between the blood vessel model and the light source; A cassette comprising: Use of such a cassette makes it easy to set the object to be observed.

[0066] The thirty-second aspect of the present invention is defined as follows. A plate for holding a catheter in an observation device for observing a blood vessel model into which a catheter is inserted, The plate has a groove that follows the shape of the blood vessel model, and the peripheral wall of the groove contacts the blood vessel model entirely or partially without any gap. By using such a plate, the blood vessel model can be held stably, allowing for smooth observation work.

[0067] The thirty-third aspect of the present invention is defined as follows. The plate according to the thirty-second aspect, wherein a peripheral wall of the groove is formed of a soft material that produces a photoelastic effect. Because the blood vessel model is tightly fitted into the groove and in contact with it, deformation of the blood vessel model causes stress changes in the soft material of the plate, thereby generating a photoelastic effect. In other words, the degree of deformation of the blood vessel model when the catheter interferes with it can be observed as a photoelastic effect on the groove wall of the plate that comes into contact with the deformed part of the blood vessel model.

[0068] A thirty-fourth aspect of the present invention is defined as follows. An observation device for observing a blood vessel model into which a catheter is inserted, an observation assembly including a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion; and an image display assembly including an image generator and a display; the light emitting unit includes a light source and a polarizing element, and irradiates reference illumination light including a first polarized light toward the observation object, the polarizing element has a polarization axis in a first direction, and transmits the first polarized light polarized in the first direction among the light output from the light source, and the first polarized light passes through a sheath of the catheter, and the polarization state of at least a part of the light component is modulated; the light receiving unit includes a light receiver and an analyzer, the analyzer having a polarization axis in a second direction different from the first direction, the light receiver receives a light component that has passed through the analyzer out of the reference irradiation light (post-irradiation light) that has been irradiated onto the observation object and has been subjected to interference from the observation object, and generates an observation output; the image generation unit receives the observation output and generates an image; The display is a viewing device that displays the image. [Effects of the Invention]

[0069] The sheath of an actual catheter has a multilayer structure of thin polymer films, but the materials and thicknesses of the films that make up the sheath vary depending on the type of catheter. Various soft resins, such as polyester, polyethylene, polyamide, polyurethane, and silicone rubber, are used as materials for the thin films that make up the sheath. Furthermore, the catheter wire incorporates complex metal structures, such as mesh and radiopaque markers, as well as mechanical structures, such as a balloon and coil detachment mechanism. For catheters with these characteristics, the present invention makes it possible to clearly capture images of the wire within the sheath using typical near-infrared light and newly discovered visible light, without using X-rays. This allows for the acquisition of images similar to those obtained during actual catheter surgery using X-rays. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0070] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an observation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the observation device of the embodiment. [Figure 3]FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view showing a plate of the observation target assembly. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a case containing the plate of FIG. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows the photoelastic effect. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows an image of an object observed by the observation device of the embodiment shown in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an observation device according to another embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an observation device according to another embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an observation device according to another embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an observation device according to another embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 shows an image of the object observed by the observation device of FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an observation device according to another embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an observation device according to another embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing an observation device according to another embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 shows an image of the object observed by the observation device of FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is an image of a comparative example. [Figure 17] FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing an observation device according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0071] An observation device A according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG. The observation device A comprises an observation target assembly 1, an observation assembly 20, and an image generation assembly 30. The observation target assembly 1 includes a catheter 2, a blood vessel model 5, a circulating fluid 6, an immersion fluid 7, and a case 8. The catheter 2 has a light-opaque member (hereinafter referred to as "wire") made of a metal linear body such as a wire 4 inserted into a sheath 3 made of soft resin. In catheter technique training, it is necessary to understand the position of the tip of the wire 4 within the sheath 3. The actual catheter 2 can be used as is.

[0072] The vascular model 5 is formed to resemble a human blood vessel, and can be formed, for example, from soft silicone rubber using the so-called lost wax method. For details on the method for manufacturing the vascular model, please refer to the description in Japanese Patent No. 3613568, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. The constituent material of the blood vessel model can be added with a material that causes Rayleigh scattering in the near-infrared light 9, which is the reference irradiation light. Examples of materials that cause Rayleigh scattering include silicone rubber containing silica particles and PVA gel.

[0073] Furthermore, the material constituting the blood vessel model can be added with a material that changes the scattering state of near-infrared light passing through the blood vessel model when stress is applied to the blood vessel model, thereby producing a photoelastic effect. Examples of such materials include gelatin and polyurethane rubber. Furthermore, a movable part simulating a thrombus can be placed inside the blood vessel model. This movable part can be made of the same material as the blood vessel model, but it can also be made of another soft material.

[0074] This movable part can include at least one of a material that scatters near-infrared rays 9 in a polarized state, a material that modulates the polarization state of near-infrared rays 9, and a secondary light-emitting material that receives the near-infrared rays 9 and generates secondary light. As a material that changes the scattering state, in addition to the materials that cause Rayleigh scattering described above, silica particles or colloids with a particle size that causes Mie scattering can be used. As a material that modulates the polarization state, cellulose or maltose that cause optical rotation can be used. As a secondary light-emitting material, a material that absorbs near-infrared light and exhibits fluorescence, diffraction, birefringence, etc. is selected.

[0075] The circulating fluid 6 is filled into the blood vessel model 5 and preferably flows within the blood vessel model 5 in order to simulate the blood flow in a human. The circulating fluid 6 makes the catheter 2 easily slippery along the inner wall of the blood vessel model 5, and it is preferable that the resistance when inserting the catheter 2 into the blood vessel model 5 is the same as that when inserting into a human blood vessel.

[0076] The circulating fluid 6 may be a dispersion medium containing water and a water-soluble polymer, the water-soluble polymer having both hydrophilic and hydrophobic groups, and / or a mixture of a polymer having hydrophilic groups and a polymer having hydrophobic groups. The contents of PCT / JP2024 / 036297 are incorporated herein by reference.

[0077] It is preferable to use a circulating fluid 6 that has a different absorption characteristic for near-infrared rays 9 from the material that constitutes the blood vessel model. This is to clarify the boundary between the circulating fluid 6 and the inner shell (inner peripheral surface) of the blood vessel model 5. This circulating fluid 6 can contain at least one of a material that changes the scattering state of near-infrared rays 9, a material that modulates the polarization state, and a secondary light-emitting material that receives the irradiated light and emits secondary light, similar to the constituent materials of the blood vessel model 5. This secondary light serves as auxiliary light, creating a lantern effect.

[0078] The immersion liquid 7 is filled in the case 8, and the blood vessel model 5 is immersed therein. It is preferable to use immersion liquid 7 that has a different absorption characteristic for near-infrared rays 9 from the material that constitutes the blood vessel model. This is to clarify the boundary between circulating fluid 6 and the outer periphery (outer surface) of blood vessel model 5. The immersion liquid 7 can contain at least one of a material that changes the scattering state of near-infrared rays 9, a material that modulates the polarization state, and a secondary light-emitting material that receives the irradiated light and emits secondary light, similar to the constituent materials of the blood vessel model 5. This secondary light serves as auxiliary light, producing the lantern effect. Depending on the observation environment, this immersion liquid may be omitted from the observation target assembly 1.

[0079] 1, the blood vessel model 5 is placed near the upper side of the case 8. This creates a relatively thick layer of immersion liquid 7 between the bottom wall of the case 8 and the blood vessel model 5. By providing such a thick layer of immersion liquid 7, near-infrared rays reflected by the object of observation consisting of the blood vessel model 5 and the catheter 2 are absorbed, and the reflected near-infrared rays are prevented from being reflected by the bottom wall of the case 8 or a first polarizing plate 23 described below.

[0080] It is preferable that the distance between the interface (upper surface) of the blood vessel model 5 and the immersion liquid 7 is short, in order to prevent the immersion liquid 7 from absorbing near-infrared rays. Therefore, in case 8, it is preferable that the distance from the bottom wall to the blood vessel model 5 is longer than the distance from the blood vessel model 5 to the surface of the immersion liquid. Additionally, by covering the bottom surface of the case 8 with a film that is semitransparent to near-infrared rays, reflection of near-infrared rays can also be prevented. The first polarizing plate 23 may also have an anti-reflection function.

[0081] The observation assembly 20 includes a light-emitting unit 20A and a light-receiving unit 20B. The light-emitting unit 20A includes a light amount adjusting device 21, a near-infrared light source 22, and a first polarizing plate 23. The light-receiving unit 20B includes a second polarizing plate 24 and a near-infrared camera 25. The light amount adjusting device 21 adjusts the amount of near-infrared light emitted from the near-infrared light source 22. The light amount can also be adjusted by adjusting the aperture of the near-infrared camera 25.

[0082] Near-infrared rays 9 are emitted in the direction of the arrow from a near-infrared light source 22. This light source 22 is a surface light source, and is capable of covering at least a predetermined area of ​​the blood vessel model 5, which is the observation target. From the experience of the inventors, the wavelength of the irradiating light emitted from the near-infrared light source 22 can be set to 700 to 1500 nm.

[0083] The first polarizing plate 23 as a polarizing element and the second polarizing plate 24 as an analyzer are both arranged on the optical axis of the near-infrared light 9 and have polarization axes in different directions. They can also be given the function of circular polarization or elliptically polarization. 1, the crossing angle between the polarization axis of the first polarizer 23 and the polarization axis of the second polarizer 24 is set to 90 to 45 degrees. By adopting such a crossing angle, some of the polarized components (first polarized light) of the near-infrared light 9 polarized by the first polarizer 23 can pass through the second polarizer 24 as they are, thereby making it possible to image the entire object to be observed.

[0084] On the other hand, when a part of the first polarized light is modulated by scattering at the object of observation, some of the polarized components therein have a polarization direction that matches the polarization axis of the second polarizer 24. Such polarized components are sure to pass through the second polarizer 24. Therefore, they are sure to be reflected in the image displayed on the display 29.

[0085] The near-infrared camera 25 as a light receiver is placed on the optical axis of the near-infrared light 9 that is the reference irradiation light. The image generation assembly 30 includes an image generation unit 31 and a display 33. The data captured by the infrared camera 25 is sent to the image generation unit 31, and image data that can be displayed on the display 33 is generated by a general-purpose image generation program. The near-infrared camera 25 may be one that is integrally equipped with an analyzer, as well as the visible light camera described below.

[0086] FIG. 2 shows an observation device according to the embodiment. In the observation device of this embodiment, a near-infrared camera 125 is supported on a support 126 via a position and attitude adjustment unit 127. A second polarizing plate 124 is attached immediately before the objective lens of the camera 125. A first polarizing plate is disposed below the observation target assembly 101 (not shown). An image generation unit (not shown) is connected to the camera 125. This image generation unit includes a general-purpose computer device and generates image data based on signals from the camera 125. The generated image data is sent to a display device (not shown) and displayed thereon.

[0087] The observation target assembly 101 is roughly composed of a blood vessel model 105, a case 108, and a plate 110. The catheter is omitted, but is inserted when the observation is performed. The blood vessel model 105 is fitted tightly into the peripheral wall of a groove 111 formed on the upper surface of the plate 110. Reference numeral 121 denotes the inlet of a catheter connected to the blood vessel model 105, and is provided with an inlet 123 for the circulating fluid on the side. Reference numeral 125 denotes the outlet for the circulating fluid.

[0088] The plate 110 is supported by a partition plate 113, which is fixed to the inner side wall of the case . The partition plate 113 is disposed toward the upper side of the case 108. This ensures a large space between the plate 110 (i.e., the blood vessel model 105) and the bottom wall of the case 108. By filling this space with immersion liquid, near-infrared rays reflected by the blood vessel model 105 can be absorbed.

[0089] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the state of the blood vessel model 105 attached to the plate 110, and the set shown in FIG. 3 is housed in a case 108 as shown in FIG. Figure 5 shows a state in which a blood vessel model with a catheter inserted is fitted into the groove of the model holder (plate). The upper view of Figure 5 shows the state in which near-infrared rays 9 polarized by the first polarizing plate are not irradiated, and the lower view of Figure 5 shows the state in which polarized near-infrared rays 9 are irradiated.

[0090] The model holder (plate) is made of a soft polymer material such as urethane elastomer. As can be seen in the lower diagram, when the pressure on the blood vessel model by the catheter deforms the blood vessel model, the wall surface of the groove in the model holder (plate) also deforms accordingly. The stress in the deformed area generates a photoelastic effect.

[0091] The specifications of the observation device of the embodiment are as follows: Catheter: Stryker Excelsior Microcatheter, Model No.: 1080 Blood vessel model: Made of silicone rubber provided by Fine Biomedical Co., Ltd. Circulating fluid: Circulating fluid provided by Fine Biomedical Co., Ltd. (Model: BIOACT[A]) diluted 500 times with water Immersion liquid: 0.8 wt % of polyvinyl alcohol (manufactured by Kanto Chemical Co., Ltd., model number: Polyvinyl Alcohol 2000) dissolved in 100 parts by volume of water. Near-infrared light source: 940 wavelength LEDs densely arranged in an area of ​​200mm x 200mm. First polarizer and second polarizer: Near-infrared polarizer (Asahi Kasei Corporation wire grid polarizer, model number: WGF) Intersection angle of polarization between the first and second polarizers: 30 degrees Near-infrared camera (polarized camera): Sony Corporation, model number: XCG-CP510 Image forming software: The image software that comes with the near-infrared camera is incorporated into the computer that constitutes the image generating unit 31. Display: Generic Distance between plate 110 and the bottom wall of the case: 60 mm

[0092] The polarization camera (manufactured by Sony Corporation, model number: XCG-CP510) uses an array of polarizers (analyzers) arranged in different states for each pixel, enabling real-time acquisition of diverse information about the polarization state (at least three of the four Stokes parameters required to identify the polarization state). Furthermore, by using software processing, the acquired information about the polarization state (Stokes parameters) can be freely subjected to numerical calculations (e.g., addition, subtraction, multiplication, etc.). As a result, it is possible to extract the intensity and direction of the polarization component, the degree of polarization, the degree of birefringence (the photoelastic effect, i.e., the magnitude of internal stress), detect or remove only the unpolarized component, detect or remove only the reflected component, and even identify the shape of the object being observed. In the applications of the present invention, using this polarization camera allows, for example, the aforementioned contrast adjustment (adjusting the degree of fusion of the coherent and non-coherent components in the sheath section) and procedures associated with the roadmap method to be achieved solely through software processing, without the need for physical means or operations.

[0093] An example of an image taken by the observation device of the embodiment is shown in Figure 6. From the results in Figure 6, it is clear that the wire can be clearly seen inside the sheath of the catheter 202 when the observation device of the embodiment is used.

[0094] Fig. 7 shows another embodiment of an observation device B. In Fig. 7, the same elements as those in Fig. 1 are given the same reference numerals and their explanation will be omitted. The image display unit 130 of the observation device B in FIG. 7 includes, in addition to the image generation unit 31 and the display 33, a background image storage unit 41, an image synthesis unit 43, an image evaluation unit 45, and a guidance generation unit 47. The background image storage unit 41 stores background images showing bones and other tissues, and this background image can be synthesized with an image captured by the near-infrared camera 25 and displayed by the image synthesis unit 43.

[0095] The image evaluation unit 45 evaluates the photoelastic effect shown in Fig. 5 using, for example, AI. The evaluation result of the image evaluation unit 45 is sent to the guidance generation unit 47. Based on this evaluation result, the guidance generation unit 47 generates guidance in, for example, text format and displays it on the display 33.

[0096] In actual catheter-based intravascular surgery, the administered contrast agent is washed away by the bloodstream, so blood vessels are only visible for a few seconds. Furthermore, due to its toxicity, there is a limit to the amount of contrast agent that can be used, and it cannot be administered multiple times. For this reason, a technique known as vascular roadmapping is used in which the image of the blood vessels visualized at the moment the contrast agent is administered is saved as a still image and then superimposed on an image that visualizes only the catheter.

[0097] Using the observation device of the present invention, the vascular roadmapping method can be simulated as follows: First, a still image in which the vascular model is visualized is saved. Then, by changing the observation conditions, the image of the vascular model disappears and an image in which only the catheter is visualized is saved. These two images are then superimposed. In simulating the vascular roadmapping method, it is preferable to further equip the observation device of the present invention with a hardware interface such as a foot pedal or joystick, so that various operations associated with the image processing can be performed in a manner similar to that of actual catheter-based intravascular surgery.

[0098] 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an observation device C that performs the vascular roadmapping method. The same elements as those in FIG. 1 are given the same reference numerals and their explanation will be omitted. The image generating assembly 230 of this observation device C includes an image generating unit 31, a display 33, an image synthesizing unit 43, and an image storing unit 51. In this example, the second polarizer 24 is rotated with respect to the first polarizer 23 to change the relative angle of the polarization axes of the two polarizers. This changes the observation conditions, and when the relative angle of the polarization axes of the two polarizers is set to a second angle (second polarization characteristic state) and a third angle (third polarization characteristic state), the intensity of the light source 22 and the wavelength of the near-infrared light 9 are further adjusted, and a 1-2 image in which only the catheter is visualized is generated in the former state and stored in the image storage unit 51. Similarly, a 1-3 image in which the vascular model is visualized is generated in the latter state and stored in the image storage unit 51. The 1-2 image is converted into a video, and the image synthesis unit 43 synthesizes this 1-2 image with the 1-3 image, thereby performing observation simulating the vascular roadmapping method.

[0099] As another method for implementing the roadmap method, a solution that affects the polarization component of the circulating fluid can be injected into the circulating fluid as a contrast agent to capture still images that mainly display a vascular model corresponding to images 1-3. Examples of such solutions include solutions that absorb the reference irradiation light (liquids containing India ink or aluminum powder, etc.) and solutions that change its polarization state (milk that depolarizes by scattering, or aqueous solutions containing cellulose or maltose (sugar water) that use optical rotation).

[0100] An observation device D according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown in Fig. 9. In Fig. 9, the same elements as those in Fig. 1 are given the same reference numerals, and their explanation will be omitted. The image display assembly 330 of this observation device D includes an image generating unit 231, a reference output storage unit 61, and an observation output storage unit 63 in addition to the display 33. The reference output stored by the reference output storage unit 61 is the output data from the near-infrared camera 25 when the second polarizer 24 is removed. The observation output stored by the observation output storage unit 63 is the output data from the near-infrared camera 25 of the polarized light component that has passed through the second polarizer. The reference output may be acquired and stored in advance as a baseline before the start of observation, or may be acquired each time observation is performed. The image generation unit 231 compares the reference output with the observation output, and more specifically, calculates the difference in light intensity between the two and sends the result to the display 33 as image data.

[0101] An observation device E according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown in Fig. 10. In Fig. 10, the same elements as those in Fig. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted. The observation assembly 120 of this observation device E handles visible light (white light). The light-emitting unit 120A of the observation assembly 120 includes a white light source 122A and a first polarizing plate 123 consisting of a polarizing element for visible light. The light-receiving unit 120B includes a visible light camera 125B and a second polarizing plate 124B consisting of an analyzer for visible light. The observation test was carried out using the specifications of the elements constituting the observation device E configured as described above, except for the near-infrared light source. A point light source was used as the white light source. The observation results are shown in FIG.

[0102] An observation device F according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown in Fig. 12. In Fig. 12, the same elements as those in Fig. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted. In the observation assembly 220 of this observation device F, polarized near-infrared light 9, which is the reference irradiation light from the light-emitting unit 220A, is irradiated obliquely onto the observation object 1, and the light-receiving unit 20B is not present at the end of the optical axis. The light component of the post-irradiation light that reaches the light-receiving unit 20B is mainly secondary light 9a from the observation object.

[0103] An observation device G according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown in Fig. 13. In Fig. 13, the same elements as those in Fig. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted. In the observation assembly 320 of this observation device G, the light-emitting unit 320A and the light-receiving unit 20B are arranged on the same side. Polarized near-infrared rays 9, which are reference irradiation light, are irradiated obliquely from the light-emitting unit onto the observation object 1, and the light-receiving unit 20B is not located at the end of the optical axis. The post-irradiation light that reaches the light-receiving unit 20B is mainly reflected light 309c, and this reflected light 309c contains a polarized component.

[0104] An observation device H according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown in Fig. 14. In Fig. 14, the same elements as those in Fig. 10 are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted. In the observation assembly 420 of this observation device H, the light-emitting unit 420A is arranged on the same side as the light-receiving unit 120B, and white light 409 is irradiated from the light-emitting unit 420 as reference irradiation light onto the observation object without being polarized in any way. Secondary light 409c, which serves as post-irradiation light that reaches the light-receiving unit 20B, includes reflected light and scattered light from the observation object. It is known that reflected light includes a polarized component. This secondary light may also include secondary light (scattered light and fluorescence) obtained when the white light 409 penetrates into the observation object, particularly the material of the sheath 3, and interferes with the material therein.

[0105] An observation test was conducted using the specifications of the components of the observation device H configured as described above, except for the near-infrared light source. The white light source was a point light source, and was irradiated from above the object of observation at an angle of approximately 45 degrees without any polarizing plate. The light receiving unit 120B was also located above the object of observation. A circulating fluid 6 containing a secondary light-emitting material that receives the irradiated light and emits secondary light is placed around the sheath 3, and it is preferable that this secondary light serves as auxiliary light to create a lantern effect on the sheath 3. The observation results are shown in FIG. An image obtained when the second polarizing plate 124B is removed from the observation device is shown in Fig. 16. The state in which the catheter is inserted into the blood vessel model is the same as in Fig. 15.

[0106] The image generating assembly of observation device B, the image generating assembly of observation device C, and the image generating assembly of observation device D can also be applied to other observation devices.

[0107] Fig. 17 shows another embodiment of the observation device I. In Fig. 17, the same elements as those in Fig. 2 are given the same reference numerals and their explanation will be omitted. In this observation device I, two observation assemblies are arranged so as to be perpendicular to the observation target assembly 101. The observation assembly includes a light-emitting section made up of a near-infrared light source 122 and a first polarizing plate (not shown), and a light-receiving section made up of a second polarizing plate 124 and an infrared camera 125. This observation assembly allows the light-receiving section to move horizontally.

[0108] The second observation assembly includes a second light emitting unit consisting of a near-infrared light source 1122 and a first polarizing plate (not shown), and a second light receiving unit consisting of a second polarizing plate 1124 and an infrared camera 1125. This second observation assembly allows the second light receiving unit to be moved vertically. By moving the two observation assemblies in synchronization, the first part of the object can be observed from two axial directions. By displaying images based on the observation output of each observation assembly side by side, biplane observation can be simulated. The near-infrared light sources of each light-emitting unit or either one of them may be replaced with a white light source. The two light sources may be combined into one, and the light from this may be emitted from the bottom and sides of the case of the observation target assembly via a predetermined optical transmission member.

[0109] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and examples, and various modifications within the scope of the claims and within the scope that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art are also included in the present invention.

[0110] The above has explained observation devices that use polarized light. The following points are findings that can be applied to conventional observation devices that do not use polarized light and improve their performance based on this new knowledge. The basic principle of the conventional X-ray-free observation device disclosed in Prior Art Document 1 was the discovery that near-infrared rays penetrate the catheter sheath when they are irradiated onto the observation target. As a result, in the captured image, the catheter wire, which blocks near-infrared rays, appears black, while the sheath appears relatively white (gray) due to the near-infrared rays that have penetrated it. In this way, even with the conventional type, the sheath and wire can be distinguished by the difference in brightness.

[0111] In the above-mentioned conventional example, no polarized light is used, and the basic irradiation light emitted from the light-emitting unit is transmitted through the object to be observed, and the post-irradiation light obtained by transmission is observed by the light-receiving unit. As can be understood from the above description, the post-irradiation light received by the light receiving section can be reflected light or secondary light from the object of observation.

[0112] Therefore, we propose a novel observation device having the following configuration: (1) An observation device for observing a blood vessel model into which a catheter is inserted, A light receiving unit for post-irradiation light is provided, In an observation apparatus, the post-illumination light is reference illumination light that is irradiated onto the observation object and subjected to interference from the observation object, An observation device in which the light receiving unit is arranged at a second position where it can mainly receive post-illumination light formed when the reference illumination light is reflected by the observation object, and / or at a third position where it can mainly receive secondary light generated when the reference illumination light interferes with the observation object.

[0113] (2) An observation device for observing a blood vessel model into which a catheter is inserted, an observation assembly having a light-emitting section and a light-receiving section; an image generating assembly including an image generating unit and a display; the light emitting unit irradiates a reference irradiation light toward an observation object, the light receiving unit receives post-illumination light and outputs an observation output, the post-illumination light being light generated by the reference light interfering with the object of observation and having a light component originating from a sheath of a catheter; the image generation unit generates an image in accordance with the observation output, The display is an observation device for displaying the image, The observation assembly is an observation device capable of observing a first portion of the observation object and a second portion different from the first portion.

[0114] (3) An observation device for observing a blood vessel model into which a catheter is inserted, an observation assembly having a light-emitting section and a light-receiving section; an image generating assembly including an image generating unit and a display; the light emitting unit irradiates a reference irradiation light toward an observation object, the light receiving unit receives post-illumination light and outputs an observation output, the post-illumination light being light generated by the reference light interfering with the object of observation and having a light component originating from a sheath of a catheter; the image generation unit generates an image in accordance with the observation output, The display is an observation device for displaying the image, Further, a second observation assembly including a second light emitting unit and a second light receiving unit is provided; The second observation assembly is an observation device that observes the part of the observation object observed by the observation assembly from another direction.

[0115] (4) The observation device according to (3), wherein the observation assembly and the second observation assembly are movable relative to the object to be observed.

[0116] (5) The observation device according to (3), wherein the output unit and the second output unit have a common light source.

[0117] (6) An observation device for observing a blood vessel model into which a catheter is inserted, an observation assembly having a light-emitting section and a light-receiving section; an image generating assembly including an image generating unit and a display; the light emitting unit irradiates a reference irradiation light toward an observation object, the light receiving unit receives post-illumination light and outputs an observation output, the post-illumination light being light generated by the reference light interfering with the object of observation and having a light component originating from a sheath of a catheter; the image generation unit generates an image in accordance with the observation output, The display is an observation device for displaying the image, When the light emitting unit irradiates the reference irradiation light of the first wavelength, the light receiving unit generates a first-second image; When the light emitting unit irradiates the reference irradiation light of the second wavelength, the light receiving unit generates a first to third image; the image generation unit generates a composite image of the 1-2 image and the 1-3 image, The display is a viewing device for displaying the composite image.

[0118] (7) The first-second image displays only the sheath of the catheter and the metal linear object within the sheath, The observation device according to (6), wherein the blood vessel model is displayed in the first to third images.

[0119] (8) The observation device according to (7), wherein the first-second image is a video. (101) An observation device for observing a blood vessel model into which a catheter is inserted, A light receiving unit is provided, The light receiving unit has predetermined polarization characteristics and receives and images a polarized component of the post-illumination light that matches the predetermined polarization characteristics, wherein the post-illumination light is reference illumination light that is irradiated onto the object of observation and subjected to interference from the object of observation, and includes a polarized component that is imaged by the light receiving unit, and the polarized component originates from the sheath of the catheter. (102) a light emitting unit and an image display assembly; The light receiving unit and the light emitting unit constitute an observation assembly, the light emitting unit irradiates the reference irradiation light toward the observation object, the reference irradiation light including a first polarized light; the light receiving unit that receives the post-irradiation light generates an observation output according to the polarization component to be imaged; The observation device described in (101), wherein the image display assembly comprises an image generation unit and a display, the image generation unit generates an image based on the observation output, and the display displays the image. (103) The observation device according to (102), wherein the image generation unit generates an image based on a comparison between a reference output from the light receiving unit that receives the reference irradiation light that does not interfere with the object of observation and the observation output. (104) the reference output is an output when the light receiver, with the polarization characteristics removed, receives the reference irradiation light that does not interfere with the object of observation, The light receiving unit has a polarization axis in a direction different from the first direction as the polarization characteristic, and the light receiving unit generates an observation output according to the polarization component imaged by the light receiving unit (103). (105) the reference output is an output of the light receiving unit that receives the reference irradiation light that does not interfere with the object of observation as the post-irradiation light, The observation device according to (103), wherein the light receiving unit generates an observation output according to a component of the polarization direction of the polarized light contained in the received post-irradiation light. (106) an observation target assembly including the observation target, a circulating fluid that circulates through the blood vessel model, and an immersion fluid in which the observation target is immersed; a secondary light generating material that interferes with the reference irradiation light to generate secondary light is dispersed in at least one selected from the constituent materials of the blood vessel model, the immersion liquid, and the circulating liquid; The observation device according to (101), wherein the secondary light interferes with at least the sheath to enhance the polarization component originating from the sheath in the post-illumination light. (107) The observation device according to (106), wherein the secondary light generating material dispersed in the immersion liquid and the circulating liquid causes Rayleigh scattering of the reference illumination light. (108) The observation device described in (107), wherein the secondary light generating material that causes the Rayleigh scattering is a water-soluble polymer and / or a surfactant. (109) The observation device according to (102), wherein the immersion liquid and / or the circulating liquid have light absorption characteristics and / or polarization characteristics for the reference irradiation light that are different from those of the blood vessel model. (110) The observation device according to (102), wherein the material forming the blood vessel model produces a photoelastic effect on the reference irradiation light, and the light produced by the photoelastic effect is included in the post-irradiation light. (111) the observation target assembly further comprises a plate for holding the blood vessel model; the plate transmits the reference illumination light; The observation device according to (102), wherein the plate has a groove that follows the shape of the blood vessel model, and the blood vessel model fits into the groove completely or partially without any gaps. (112) The observation device according to (111), wherein the peripheral wall of the groove in the plate is formed of a soft material that generates a photoelastic effect for the reference irradiation light, and the light generated by the photoelastic effect is included in the post-irradiation light. (113) The observation device according to (102), wherein the blood vessel model in the observation target assembly has a movable part simulating a thrombus or the like arranged inside the blood vessel model, and the movable part interferes with the reference illumination to modulate its polarization state. (114) The observation device according to (102), wherein the observation assembly is capable of photographing a first portion of the observation object and a second portion different from the first portion. (115) a second observation assembly including a second light emitting unit and a second light receiving unit; The observation device according to (114), wherein the second observation assembly observes the portion of the observation object observed by the observation assembly from another direction. (116) The observation device according to (115), wherein the observation assembly and the second observation assembly are movable relative to the observation object. (117) The observation device described in (101), wherein the light receiving unit is arranged at one or more of a first position where it can mainly receive post-illumination light formed when the reference illumination light passes through the observation object, a second position where it can mainly receive post-illumination light formed when the reference illumination light is reflected by the observation object, and a third position where it can mainly receive secondary light generated when the reference illumination light interferes with the observation object. (118) the observation target assembly includes a case for holding the immersion liquid; The case forms part of the mannequin, The observation device according to (111), wherein the plate is disposed within the case. (119) The observation device according to (102), wherein the observation target assembly includes a case that holds the immersion liquid, and the peripheral wall of the case includes the light-emitting portion. (120) the observation target assembly includes a case for holding the immersion liquid; The observation device according to (102), wherein the case is provided with an anti-reflection section for the reference irradiation light on the side of the light emitting section. (121) The observation device described in (120), wherein the object to be observed is biased toward the light receiving unit within the case, making the layer of immersion liquid between the object to be observed and the light emitting unit thicker than the layer of immersion liquid between the object to be observed and the light receiving unit, and causing the layer of immersion liquid between the object to be observed and the light emitting unit to perform the function of the anti-reflection unit. (122) a fluorescent material that emits a polarized component that is imaged by the light receiving unit is attached to a component of the observation target assembly; the viewing assembly includes a source of light that causes the material to fluoresce; (102) The observation device according to (102). (one two three) the observation target assembly includes a case for holding the immersion liquid; The light is ultraviolet light, and the ultraviolet light from the light source is introduced into the case and emitted from a side wall of the case toward the object to be observed. (122) An observation device according to the present invention. (124) the light receiving unit has a second polarization characteristic state and a third polarization characteristic state in directions relatively different from the first direction of the first polarization, the image display assembly includes an image synthesis unit; generating an observation output that generates a first-second image when the light receiving unit is in the second polarization characteristic state; generating an observation output that generates a first to third image when the light receiving unit is in the third polarization characteristic state; the image synthesis unit synthesizes the first-second image and the first-third image; The observation device according to (102), wherein the display displays a synthesized image. (125) The first-second image displays only the sheath of the catheter and the metal linear object within the sheath, The observation device according to (124), wherein the blood vessel model is displayed in the first to third images. (126) The observation device according to (125), wherein the first and second screens are moving images. (127) An observation device for observing a blood vessel model into which a catheter is inserted, 1. An observation method using an observation device having a light receiving unit with predetermined polarization characteristics, irradiating the object of observation with reference illumination light; a step of receiving post-illumination light generated by the reference illumination light that has been interfered with by the object of observation with the light receiving unit, wherein the post-illumination light includes a polarized component, and the polarized component originates from a sheath of the catheter; an observation method including a step in which the light receiving unit generates an output based on the polarization component imaged in the light receiving unit in accordance with the polarization characteristics of the polarization component originating from the sheath. (128) a secondary light generating material that interferes with the reference illumination light to generate secondary light is dispersed in at least one selected from a constituent material of the blood vessel model, a lubricating liquid circulating within the blood vessel model, and an immersion liquid in which the blood vessel model is immersed; The observation method according to (127), wherein the polarization component of the post-irradiation light is changed by causing the secondary light to interfere with the sheath. (129) the polarizing unit has a second polarization characteristic state and a third polarization characteristic state in a direction relatively different from the first direction of the first polarization, The observation method described in (127), wherein the contrast between the catheter sheath and its surroundings in the displayed image is adjusted by adjusting the second polarization characteristic state and the third polarization characteristic state. (130) generating a contrast mode image in which only the sheath of the catheter and the metal linear object within the sheath are displayed in the second polarized light receiving state; obtaining a still image mode image in which a blood vessel model is displayed in the third polarization receiving state; displaying the still image mode image and the contrast mode image in an overlapping manner; The observation method according to (129), comprising: (131) A cassette incorporating the blood vessel model, used in an observation device that irradiates the observation target with reference irradiation light that interferes with a sheath of a catheter, The vascular model; a housing for holding the blood vessel model; a polarizing element disposed between the blood vessel model and the light source; A cassette comprising: (132) A plate for holding a catheter in an observation device for observing a blood vessel model into which a catheter is inserted, The plate has a groove that follows the shape of the blood vessel model, and the peripheral wall of the groove contacts the blood vessel model entirely or partially without any gap. (133) The plate according to (132), wherein the peripheral wall of the groove is formed of a soft material that produces a photoelastic effect. (134) An observation device for observing a blood vessel model into which a catheter is inserted, an observation assembly including a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion; and an image display assembly including an image generator and a display; the light emitting unit includes a light source and a polarizing element, and irradiates reference illumination light including a first polarized light toward the observation object, the polarizing element has a polarization axis in a first direction, and transmits the first polarized light polarized in the first direction among the light output from the light source, and the first polarized light passes through a sheath of the catheter, and the polarization state of at least a part of the light component is modulated; the light receiving unit includes a light receiver and an analyzer, the analyzer having a polarization axis in a second direction different from the first direction, the light receiver receives a light component that has passed through the analyzer out of the reference irradiation light (post-irradiation light) that has been irradiated onto the observation object and has been subjected to interference from the observation object, and generates an observation output; the image generation unit receives the observation output and generates an image; The display is a viewing device that displays the image. [Explanation of symbols]

[0120] 1, 101 Observation target assembly 2 catheters 3 Sheath 4 wire 5, 105 Vascular model 6 Circulating fluid 7 Immersion liquid 9 Near-infrared 20, 120, 220, 320, 420 Observation Assembly 22, 122 Near-infrared light source 23, 123 First polarizing plate 24, 124 Second polarizer 25, 125 Near-infrared camera 30, 130, 230, 330 Image Generation Assembly 31 Image generation unit 33 Display 109 white light 122A white light source 125A Visible Light Camera AI observation equipment

Claims

1. An observation device for observing a vascular model in which a catheter has been inserted, Equipped with a light-receiving unit, The light-receiving unit has predetermined polarization characteristics and receives a polarization component in the post-irradiation light that matches the predetermined polarization characteristics and images it, wherein the post-irradiation light is a reference irradiation light that is irradiated onto the object to be observed and interfered with by the object to be observed, and includes a polarization component that is imaged by the light-receiving unit, and the polarization component originates from the sheath of the catheter, in an observation device.

2. It further comprises a light-emitting section and an image display assembly, The observation assembly is composed of the light-receiving unit and the light-emitting unit. The light-emitting unit irradiates the reference irradiation light toward the object to be observed, and the reference irradiation light includes a first polarization. The light receiving unit, upon receiving the post-irradiation light, generates an observation output corresponding to the polarization component to be imaged. The observation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image display assembly comprises an image generation unit and a display, the image generation unit generates an image based on the observation output, and the display displays the image.

3. The observation apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image generation unit generates an image based on a comparison between the reference output from the light receiving unit, which receives the reference illumination light that does not interfere with the object to be observed, and the observation output.

4. The aforementioned reference output is the output when the photodetector, with its polarization characteristics removed, receives the reference illumination light that does not interfere with the object being observed in any way. The observation apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the light receiving unit has a polarization axis in a direction different from the first direction as a polarization characteristic, and the light receiving unit generates an observation output corresponding to the polarization component imaged by the light receiving unit.

5. The aforementioned reference output is the output of the light receiving unit that receives the reference illumination light, which does not interfere with the object being observed, as the post-illumination light. The observation apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the light receiving unit generates an observation output corresponding to the polarization direction component of the polarization contained in the received post-irradiation light.

6. The observation object assembly includes the observation object, a circulating fluid that circulates through the blood vessel model, and an immersion fluid in which the observation object is immersed. At least one of the constituent materials of the blood vessel model, the immersion liquid, and the circulating liquid is dispersed with a secondary light generating material that interferes with the reference irradiation light to generate secondary light. The observation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the secondary light interferes with at least the sheath to enhance the polarization component originating from the sheath in the post-irradiation light.

7. The observation apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the secondary photogenerating material dispersed in the immersion liquid and the circulating liquid causes Rayleigh scattering with respect to the reference irradiation light.

8. The observation apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the secondary light-generating material that produces Rayleigh scattering is a water-soluble polymer and / or a surfactant.

9. The observation apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the immersion liquid and / or the circulating liquid have different light absorption characteristics and / or polarization characteristics with respect to the reference irradiation light than the blood vessel model.

10. The observation apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the material forming the blood vessel model exhibits a photoelastic effect with respect to the reference irradiation light, and the light generated by the photoelastic effect is included in the post-irradiation light.

11. The aforementioned observation assembly further comprises a plate for holding the blood vessel model, The plate transmits the reference irradiation light, The observation device according to claim 2, wherein the plate has grooves that conform to the shape of the blood vessel model, and the blood vessel model is fitted into the grooves completely or partially without any gaps.

12. The observation apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the peripheral wall of the groove in the plate is formed of a soft material that produces a photoelastic effect with respect to the reference irradiation light, and the light produced by the photoelastic effect is included in the post-irradiation light.

13. The observation apparatus according to claim 2, wherein in the observation target assembly, the blood vessel model has a movable part that mimics a thrombus or the like placed inside it, and the movable part interferes with the reference irradiation to modulate its polarization state.

14. The observation apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the observation assembly is capable of photographing a first part of the object to be observed and a second part different from the first part.

15. A second observation assembly comprising a second light-emitting unit and a second light-receiving unit is further provided. The observation apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the second observation assembly observes the part of the object to be observed by the observation assembly from another direction.

16. The observation apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the observation assembly and the second observation assembly are movable relative to the object to be observed.

17. The observation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the light receiving unit is arranged at one or more of the following positions: a first position mainly capable of receiving post-irradiation light obtained when the reference irradiation light has passed through the object of observation; a second position mainly capable of receiving post-irradiation light obtained when the reference irradiation light has been reflected by the object of observation; and a third position mainly capable of receiving secondary light generated when the reference irradiation light interferes with the object of observation.

18. The assembly to be observed includes a case that holds the immersion liquid. The case constitutes part of the mannequin. The observation apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the plate is placed inside the case.

19. The observation apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the observation object assembly includes a case for holding the immersion liquid, and the peripheral wall of the case includes the light-emitting part.

20. The assembly to be observed includes a case that holds the immersion liquid. The observation apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the light-emitting part is provided with an anti-reflection part for reference illumination light on the light-emitting part side.

21. The observation apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the object to be observed is positioned towards the light-receiving part within the case, the layer of immersion liquid between the object to be observed and the light-emitting part is made thicker than the layer of immersion liquid between the object to be observed and the light-receiving part, and the layer of immersion liquid between the object to be observed and the light-receiving part performs the function of the anti-reflective part.

22. The components of the assembly to be observed are fitted with a fluorescent material that emits a polarization component that is imaged by the light-receiving unit. The observation assembly includes a light source that causes the material to fluoresce. The observation apparatus according to claim 2.

23. The assembly to be observed includes a case that holds the immersion liquid. The light is ultraviolet light, and the ultraviolet light from the light source is introduced into the case and emitted from the side wall of the case toward the object to be observed. The observation apparatus according to claim 22.

24. The light-receiving unit includes a second polarization characteristic state and a third polarization characteristic state in a direction relatively different from the first direction of the first polarization, The aforementioned image display assembly includes an image synthesis unit, When the light receiving unit is in the second polarization characteristic state, it generates an observation output that generates the first and second images. When the light receiving unit is in the third polarization characteristic state, it generates an observation output that generates the first to third images. The image synthesis unit synthesizes the first-2 image and the first-3 image, The observation apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the display shows a synthesized image.

25. Images 1 and 2 above are designed to show only the sheath of the catheter and the metallic wire inside the sheath. The observation apparatus according to claim 24, wherein the blood vessel model is displayed in the first to third images.

26. The observation apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the first and second screens are video.

27. An observation device for observing a vascular model in which a catheter has been inserted, In an observation method using an observation device having a light-receiving section with predetermined polarization characteristics, The steps include irradiating the object to be observed with reference irradiation light, The steps include causing the light receiving unit to receive post-irradiation light generated by the reference irradiation light that has been interfered with by the object being observed, wherein the post-irradiation light includes a polarization component, and the polarization component originates from the sheath of the catheter. An observation method comprising the step of the light-receiving unit generating an output based on a polarization component that matches the polarization characteristics of the polarization component originating from the sheath and is imaged by the light-receiving unit.

28. At least one of the constituent materials of the blood vessel model, the lubricating fluid circulating within the blood vessel model, and the immersion fluid in which the blood vessel model is immersed contains a secondary light generating material that interferes with the reference irradiation light to generate secondary light. The observation method according to claim 27, wherein the polarization component of the post-irradiation light is changed by interfering the secondary light with the sheath.

29. The polarization characteristics of the light receiving unit include a second polarization characteristic state and a third polarization characteristic state, The observation method according to claim 27, wherein the output of the light receiving unit is changed by adjusting the second polarization characteristic state and the third polarization characteristic state, thereby adjusting the contrast between the imaged catheter sheath and its surroundings.

30. The steps include generating a contrast-enhanced mode image in which only the sheath of the catheter and the metallic wire within the sheath are displayed in the second polarized light-receiving state, The steps include obtaining a still image mode image in which a blood vessel model is displayed in the third polarized light receiving state, The steps include displaying the still image mode image and the contrast-enhanced image overlaid on each other, The observation method according to claim 29, which includes the following:

31. An observation device for observing a vascular model in which a catheter has been inserted, Observation assembly including light-emitting part and light-receiving part, It comprises an image generation unit and an image display assembly including a display, The light-emitting unit comprises a light source and a polarizing element, and irradiates a reference irradiation light including a first polarization toward the object to be observed. The polarizing element has a polarization axis in a first direction and transmits the first polarization that is polarized in the first direction from the light output from the light source. The first polarization passes through the sheath of the catheter, and at least a portion of its light component has its polarization state modulated. The light receiving unit comprises a photodetector and an analyzer, the analyzer having a polarization axis in a second direction different from the first direction, the photodetector receives the light component that has passed through the analyzer of the reference illumination light (post-illumination light) that has been irradiated onto the object to be observed and interfered with by the object to be observed, and generates an observation output. The image generation unit receives the observation output and generates an image. The aforementioned display is an observation device that displays the aforementioned image.

Images